FOOTBALL.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 332, 25 August 1898, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

TVAIPA V. WAIKATO. Great dissatisfaction has been expressed in this district at the selection of players to represent WaiKato in the match to be played with Waipa at Te Awamutu on Saturday Dext. The team is by no means the strongest that could be choseu, and those who are competent to judge condemn the forwards as being an especially weak lot. The method of selection adopted—forming a committee consisting of a representative from each club—rarely pans out well, as the members are too liable to be actuated in their choice by feelings of partisanship and prejudice, and the interests of the district often suffer in their endeavour to ring in as many of their own club men as possible irrespective of merit. Mr A. B. Heather's selection in the previous match met with general approbation, and considering the success tnat attended his efforts, we think that that the task might have again been entrusted to him with the utmost safety. Club feelings should not be allowed to enter into a matter of this sort, and merit alone should be considered. Only the best men should be chosen, even if they all belong to one club, aud in the case in point, we are qutite satisfied that this has not been done. A telegram we received from Te Awamutu last eveniug states that the Waika'o team will be entertained at a dinner after the match on Saturday evening. The following players have been chosen to represent the Waipa Union in the return match against Waikato, to be played at Te Awamutu ou Saturday next -.—Full-back —G. Cruiekshank ; three-quarters—M. Gorrie, F. Bowden, O. Creagh ; half—L. Macky ; five-eighth —H. Carr: wings—E. Short and G. Allcock; forwards—J. North, H. Kveleigh, D. Turner, T. Allcock, F. Ryburu, C McDonald and A. Carley. Emergencies: Forwards—J. Papesch aud Gardiner ; backs—M. Webster and W. Scott. Mr Burton, a member of the Auckland Referee's Association, will act as referee. WAIPA RUGBY UNION. A meeting of the Waipa Rugby Union was held in the Te Awamutu Hotel, on Saturday evening. The delegates preseut were :—Messrs Burton and Corlett, Otorohanga ; J. Cruiekshank and F. Bowden, Te Awamutu ; J. Kay and J. Rybum, Paterangt ; Mr Bowden, presided. Mr Pilkingtou, secretary of the Auckland Referees' Association, wrote relative to the examination of referees from the country. He would be very pleased to give every assistance aud stated that a branch could be formed in Waipa affiliated to the Auckland branch, and those already qualified could examine the new men. The Secretary was instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter and thank Mr Pilkmgton for the information supplied. Mr Burton, the gentleman who acted as referee in the Te Awamutu-Otorohanga match, played at Te Awamutu on Saturday last, was present at the meeting, and reported to the Union that a player in the Otorohanga team had so far misconducted himself on the field as to necessitate his being ordered off. After Mr Burton had fully stated what had passed between himself and the accused, it was resolved that the Secretary write to the player asking him to apologize for his misconduct, and failing an apology, the Union to take further steps. Messrs C. Bov\deu, Burton and Bockett were appointed to make all necessary arrangemeuls for cntertaiuiog the Waikato team on Saturday next. It was decided to make a charae of one shilling admission to the ground for geutlemau, ladies o'd and children under 12 years of age free, the funds to go towards defraying Union expenses. On the motion of Mr Rybum, seconded by Mr Kay, the Te Awamutu Club was declared the cap winners for the past season. Mr Ryburn, in a neat little speech, congratulated the local boys on their success. The Waipa team will visit Rotorua on the second Saturday in September. On Friday evening the old identities chosen to battle for Hamilton against Cambridge on Saturday week will hold a practice on Sydney Square, when all the players are requested to appear. The following will represent Waingaro in their match against the Hamilton 11. on Saturday next : Full-back—T. Hinton ; three-quarters—R. Cox, Abraham Ngahiwi aud J. Henderson ; five-eight— E. Bailey ; ha'f-haek— W. Stubbings ; wings—Heta Tcrawhiti and J. Nealie ; forwards—Marshall, Skclton, Paynter, Carlson, Kellow, Roper and Corboy. The following team will represent Hamilton 11. in the match against Waingaro, to be played at Ngaruuwahia on Saturday next : —Full-back-Sutton ; three-quarters Coomhsr, R. Wright, W. V^L'ht; fivo-eighta-Edgecumbe ; Mahon ; forwards—Moore (2), Harrison, Kiusella, W. Rogers, K. Hume, and Hall. Emergencies: Backs. Wright and Johnson ; forwards, Malum, Castleton, and Harwood. A brake will leave Mami's Hotel at 1 p.m.